Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Warning that violence in Central African Republic (CAR) is quickly escalating, the top United Nations aid official in the country on Thursday urged the international community to assist the tens of thousands of newly displaced civilians.

Speaking to representatives of UN Member States in Geneva, Najat Rochdi, the Humanitarian Coordinator and UN Resident Coordinator in CAR, said the frequency and brutality of attacks in Bangassou, Bria, Alindao and other localities have reached levels not seen since August 2014.

“In the past two weeks the signs are very clear, violence in the Central Africa Republic has entered a new spiral of escalating conflict and the situation is quickly deteriorating,” Ms. Rochdi said. “Over 100,000 people have been newly displaced, family running for their lives, leaving everything behind.”

Humanitarian actors are facing logistical and security challenges to reach the people in need, as well as funding shortages. The UN requested nearly US$400 million on behalf of the humanitarian community to meet CAR’s needs, but, so far, only about 25 per cent have been received, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Without sufficient resources, the most vulnerable people will be cut off from aid “many of them will be killed, and entire areas of the country abandoned,” warned Ms. Rochdi.

Clashes between the mainly Muslim Séléka rebel coalition and anti-Balaka militia, who are mostly Christian, plunged the country of 4.5 million people into civil conflict in 2013.

According to the UN, more than half the population is in dire need of assistance. Despite significant progress and successful elections, CAR has remained in the grip of instability and sporadic unrest.

In her briefing, Ms. Rochdi urged governments to remain engaged in CAR, stating: “This is not the time to let the people of the Central African Republic down. This is not the time to give up on peace.”
-0- PANA AR 1June2017